The Greatest Movies with Precocious Teen Stars

Ranker Film
Updated June 23, 2023 2.7K votes 391 voters
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Movies with Precocious Teen Stars
Voting Rules
Vote up the best movies that feature sharp teenagers with witty dialogue.

Sharp teenagers may be wise beyond their years, but they still find themselves entangled in high school drama. The best precocious teen movies feature students taking their lives into their own hands, despite opposition from their parents and teachers. This is a list of the top movies about witty teens including everything from Superbad to Little Miss Sunshine to Election.

What films will you find on this list of the best movies about precocious teens? Maybe you're a fan of the slacker classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This 1986 comedy inspired teens across the world to make the most of their sick days, just like the title character. The snappy dialog of Juno makes it a film synonymous with smart teenagers. Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) was an incredibly ambitious student when it came to everything but his school work in Wes Anderson's film Rushmore. Other good movies found on this best smart teen films list include Heathers, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Cruel Intentions.

Which precocious teen movie do you think is the best? Vote your favorite up to number one on this list, and add any great features that are missing.

Most divisive: Election
Ranked by
  • The Breakfast Club
    1

    The Breakfast Club

    Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson
    227 votes
    • Released: 1985
    • Directed by: John Hughes
    In the film The Breakfast Club, five high school students, each representing a different stereotype, meet in detention. There's the brainy Brian Johnson (Anthony Michael Hall), the athletic Andrew Clark (Emilio Estevez), the rebel John Bender (Judd Nelson), the princess Claire Standish (Molly Ringwald), and the outcast Allison Reynolds (Ally Sheedy). As they spend a Saturday together under supervision of the strict assistant principal Richard Vernon (Paul Gleason), they gradually open up to one another, revealing their deeper selves beneath their public personas. This 1985 coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by John Hughes explores themes of identity, peer pressure, and adolescence within its 97-minute runtime. To this day, it remains a classic in teen cinema.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Clueless
    2

    Clueless

    Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy
    198 votes
    • Released: 1995
    • Directed by: Amy Heckerling
    In the heart of Beverly Hills, high schooler Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) reigns as a self-proclaimed fashionista and matchmaker. Clueless, a comedy-drama flick directed by Amy Heckerling, sees Cher navigating the tricky waters of adolescence while attempting to handle love interests and maintain her social status. Alongside Cher is her best friend Dionne Davenport (Stacey Dash), who aids in her various escapades. The film, an amusing modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, cleverly taps into teenage angst and the complexities of young love. Despite its light-hearted tone, it subtly addresses pertinent social issues, making it a timeless classic.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

  • Heathers
    3

    Heathers

    Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
    175 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Michael Lehmann
    In the dark comedy Heathers, high school senior Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) finds herself entangled in an unusual relationship with the mysterious new kid, J.D. (Christian Slater). Amidst the social pressures of Westerburg High School, dominated by a clique of girls all named Heather, Veronica and J.D. embark on a rebellious journey against the popular crowd. Their actions quickly spiral into a series of disturbing events that blur the line between teenage rebellion and criminal activity. This 1988 cult classic explores themes of popularity, power, and the chilling lengths some will go to leave their mark on society.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

  • Cruel Intentions
    4

    Cruel Intentions

    Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon
    169 votes
    • Released: 1999
    • Directed by: Roger Kumble
    In the riveting drama, Cruel Intentions, a game of seduction unfolds within Manhattan's elite teen circle. Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe), step-siblings known for their manipulative tricks, set their sights on innocent Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon). The plot thickens as Sebastian, initially viewing Annette as a mere conquest, finds himself entangled in unexpected emotions. This film, a modern take on the classic French novel 'Les Liaisons dangereuses', delves into themes of deception, love and the high stakes of teenage gamesmanship. It's a thrilling exploration of manipulation cloaked in youthful innocence and affluence.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

  • Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    5

    Ferris Bueller's Day Off

    Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara
    181 votes
    • Released: 1986
    • Directed by: John Hughes
    In the classic comedy, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) is a high school senior who decides to play hooky for a day. He cleverly manipulates his parents, outwits his sister Jeanie (Jennifer Grey), and convinces his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) to join him. They embark on an unforgettable adventure in Chicago, involving a vintage Ferrari, the Sears Tower, and a local parade. Meanwhile, their suspicious principal Rooney (Jeffrey Jones) is determined to catch Ferris in the act. This film explores themes of friendship and rebellion against societal norms without resorting to heavy drama or violence.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Easy A
    6

    Easy A

    Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes
    178 votes
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: Will Gluck
    In the cleverly comedic film Easy A, Emma Stone stars as Olive Penderghast, a high school student who finds herself tangled in a web of rumors and half-truths. After a small lie about losing her virginity gets out, she sees her life paralleling Hester Prynne's from The Scarlet Letter, which she is studying in school -- until she decides to use the rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing. Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, and Thomas Haden Church co-star in this engaging tale that takes a humorous look at the serious subject of reputation and the rapid spread of gossip in a digital era.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free